The East Texas A&M University Alumni Association celebrated exceptional alumni achievement at the 2026 Alumni Awards Gala on April 25.

Held at East Texas A&M-Dallas, the formal dinner and program honored five outstanding Lions whose lives reflect a deep commitment to leadership, service and the university community. The evening recognized recipients of the Gold Blazer and Distinguished Alumni Awards, among the highest honors bestowed by East Texas A&M.

“It is an honor to celebrate these outstanding Distinguished Alumni and Gold Blazers, whose achievements embody the spirit and strength of East Texas A&M,” said Amanda Lowe, director of Alumni Engagement. “Through their professional success, service, generosity and continued dedication to the university, they make a meaningful difference in their communities and reflect the values we hold dear. We are incredibly proud that they are part of the Lion family.”

Gold Blazer Awards

Established in 1984, the Gold Blazer Award recognizes alumni for outstanding service to the East Texas A&M Alumni Association and the university. Recipients give their time and talents selflessly, strengthening connections among alumni and supporting engagement with students and the broader university community.

Each honoree reflects the enduring values captured in the motto of Professor Leonidas Mayo, the university's founder: “Ceaseless Industry, Fearless Investigation, Unfettered Thought, and Unselfish Service to Others.”

2026 Honorees

Susan Dacus ('71)

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Susan Faires Dacus earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from East Texas State University in 1971. A lifelong advocate for education and communication, she built a nearly 40-year career in public school systems across North Texas. She served in leadership roles in Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Richardson, and Wylie ISDs, ultimately retiring as executive director of media and communications. Her work earned numerous professional honors, including service as state president of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

Her commitment to East Texas A&M spans decades. She served three terms on the Alumni Association Board. She established and continues to support a scholarship in honor of her parents, both of whom were deeply connected to the university. She remains active in her community through Chi Omega alumni leadership, support of multiple nonprofit organizations, and service on the Commerce ISD Education Foundation board.

Mark Murray ('77)

Hometown: Greenville, Texas

Mark Murray earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from East Texas State University in 1977. His career in financial leadership spans more than four decades across global organizations, including Mobil Oil, ExxonMobil and Boise Cascade. Murray held key financial leadership positions, including international assignments across North America, Europe and the Middle East. He led financial operations through complex change initiatives and supported Boise Cascade's public offering and multiple strategic acquisitions.

A dedicated supporter of East Texas A&M, Murray served on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2016 to 2025, including as board chair from 2023 to 2024. His leadership helped advance the university's growth and long-term impact. Murray credits his time at ETAMU with shaping both his technical expertise and his leadership approach, fostering a mindset of adaptability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

First awarded in 1967, the Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who have achieved exceptional distinction in their profession, community or life's work. Recipients represent the highest levels of achievement and service while maintaining a strong connection to the university and advancing its mission and legacy.

2026 Honorees

Therese Baird ('81)

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Therese Baird earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business with a concentration in Accounting from East Texas State University. She began her career in public accounting before transitioning into leadership roles across multiple industries. She served as controller and tax manager for an oil and gas company before moving into a chief financial officer role within the technology sector. She later joined the Dallas Stars Hockey Club, where she has played a key role in financial leadership. After time as CFO of a law firm, she returned to the Dallas Stars in 2018 as CFO and will transition to a consulting role following the current fiscal year.

Her connection to East Texas A&M University remains strong. She has served on the College of Business Advisory Board since 2022 and is a member of the East Texas A&M Foundation Board of Directors.

Burt Feild Copeland ('83)

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Burt Feild Copeland earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from East Texas State University in 1983. He later became a Certified Public Accountant and earned his MBA from Southern Methodist University. Copeland began his career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand before moving into roles with PepsiCo, where he contributed to internal audit and strategic planning initiatives. He went on to hold executive leadership roles in both corporate and financial institutions. As president and owner of ReSource Flooring Group's North Texas operations, Copeland led significant growth. In 2012, he founded New Life CFO Services, growing the firm into a team of financial leaders supporting mid-market companies across Texas.

Copeland remains actively engaged with East Texas A&M University as chair of the College of Business Advisory Council and as a participant in the Executives in Residence program. His time at ETAMU was shaped by his involvement in Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he developed leadership skills that continue to influence his career.

Nancy Craig ('77)

Hometown: Addison, Texas

Nancy Ewing Craig earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from East Texas State University in 1977. She began her career with First National Bank in Dallas as an internal auditor while completing her CPA certification. In 1980, she joined Hunt Energy Corporation, where she worked in internal audit before transitioning to Hunt Properties, Inc. She now serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer.

As a community leader, Nancy is an active member of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, where she serves as secretary and supports numerous nonprofit initiatives. She has also served the Town of Addison through advisory boards, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and as a city council member. At East Texas A&M, she serves on the East Texas A&M Foundation Board of Directors, including the Finance and Audit Committee. She credits the university with providing the skills and confidence that have shaped her career, and she values the opportunity to give back.

Learn more about the East Texas A&M Alumni Association and how to get involved.